Word for the Week

Expect the unexpected...

Week beginning: 16th December, 2018 | By Beki Muinde | London

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

Luke 2:8-11 (NIV)

There are times when our work feels very ordinary. Days can go by feeling like much of a muchness as we continue with the same old routine. The French have an expression "Metro, boulot, dodo" meaning "travel, work, sleep". As many of us finish up work before a break over Christmas, it may seem that this routine (with a few Christmas parties and carol services thrown in for good measure!) is our normal.

Over 2,000 years ago, shepherds on a seemingly insignificant hillside in Judea probably felt very similar. They expected a night shift like any other. But it was not. They encountered the glory of the living God and the news that His Son was to be born.

Be encouraged as you work today – we have an extraordinary God of power who not only sent his Son to earth to save us, but who in ways big and small is filling our ordinary days with His glorious presence and purpose. Let us work expectantly today and let us take every opportunity, particularly as we move towards Christmas, to share with those around us the greatest of all news – that Jesus Christ was born to offer salvation to ALL people.

Prayer Points:

1. Pray for those who are tired and weary in this busy lead up to Christmas. Pray that they would know the presence of God in the seemingly ordinary working day.2. Pray that we would take seriously the proclamation of the angel – the good news was not just news for the shepherds to keep to themselves. This was news which was to cause great joy for ALL people. Let's pray that we would be bold in sharing the incredible news that the Messiah has been born with our friends and colleagues this festive season.